Small Graces

This post is part of weekly series inspired, in part, by Bob Bennett's song, "Small Graces".

these are the small graces,

little moments when the miracles come...

small graces leading me to the larger one...

sometimes they slip by without notice

sometimes they are very hard to see

other times it's very clear when they are happening to me

How was your week? Ours was pretty normal; no crisis and no major excitement. The highlight of the week was definitely the Spring weather. The kids were beyond ready for some extended outside time. We got down the boys bikes and they were allowed to ride around the block, with out Mom and Dad, for the time this week - they were so excited! Other than that the kids picked up right were they left off in fall - climbing our little tree, digging in the dirt for worms/bugs, and collecting sticks.

Over the last couple weeks we've had a lot of luck with strawberries, crazy cheap prices and excellent quality. Strawberries are Big Buddy's favorite fruit so this has made him very happy. Everyone was also extremely pleased when I found a just expired carton of whip cream in the fridge.

If anything can make strawberries more delicious it is freshly made vanilla-bean whip cream. This also made my afternoon coffee even more of treat.

This is a silly thing, but since spring has arrived our kids' rain boots have been sitting by the front door; every time I see them I can't help but smile. I think some of it is the bright colors and some of it is that they remind of how blessed we are as a family. I grew up in a pretty poor household, food-stamps and trailer type poor, we were thankful just to have snow boots. So as a kid, a luxury like rain boots, was something I didn't even dare hope for. Little Lady's are hand-me-downs that were originally given to Big Buddy. The boys, however, are new. When we noticed that boys had outgrown there old boots, we were easily able to purchase some other pairs. We are far from wealthy and there are plenty of things we would like to do/give our kids that we simple can't. However, I try hard not to loose site of the little luxuries we can afford. To be thankful for them; to remind myself that these are not a right, but a blessing!

after some research we decided on kamik rainboots. they are very well made (meant to be handed-down) and affordable,
around $27. if you do purchase theses boots, i advise going up one size.

We spent most of today doing housework but for lunch Jeremy's dad took us to our favorite local restaurant, Van's - if you are ever in West Dundee you must visit. Their custard is amazing!

The weather was gorgeous, so we ate outside and Little Lady happened to notice the bridal/formal gown shop next door, "mommy may we please go in there!" I knew entering would just cause more trouble so I said no, but she stood at the door for almost five minutes watching high-schoolers try on their prom dresses. We then walked around the front of the building so she could see all the window displays. When we returned, to the boys, she quickly told Jeremy that she wanted, "the pink and sparkly gown!" She digs in the mud and swings sticks while yelling, "hiyah" just like her older brothers but she also got a girly-girl side that brings me so much frivolous joy.